Pro Shop Gear and Equipment Lead tape
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Posted: February 10, 2010 • Views: 1,238 • Replies: 12 • Go to Last Reply |
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I've recently gained interest in the use of lead tape to help shape ball flight. I have a tendency to draw the ball, which at times is more drastic off the tee and into the green with approach shots. I was wondering if there were any success stories out there with the use of lead tape. Please post any and all experience and include swing/ball flight tendencies and tape placement. Thanks and best of luck this season.
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# 1 on 2/11/2010 9:57:18 AM |
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Myth : lead tape will fix the ball flight. Fact : lead tape will change the swing weight of the golf club. I had experimented adding and removing lead tape on woods irons and putters. Bought and applied and removed lots of lead tape over the years. I had found it'll not change the ball flight much. Unless you have a sound swing path already, meaning the golf ball started out straight then curve later. If the ball flight has a hook or a slice, the lead tape will not help much. It would change the height of the ball flight more if the swing weight is not messed up by adding extra weight. In general, adding weight to solve the problem if you feel your swing is too quick ( especially with the modern light weight shafts and heads ), or if you could not feel the club head during the swing, or if you consistently hitting off the heel area of the club face. Adding lead tape to the toe area will enhance a fade and to the heel area will enhance a draw. Adding weight under the mid section will increase the height and adding weight behind the sweet spot of the woods will flatten the ball flight. I always use the painter's tape to avoid removing issue from sticky lead tape later on. Put the lead tape on the blue painter's tape first, trim to hide the blue tape, trim the lead tape to desired width, apply the tape and press it down with a hard smooth surface. Removing it later on is very simple and clean of glue. |
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# 2 on 2/11/2010 2:18:03 PM |
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I have only tried putting lead tape on my putters, to give me the feel in the hand that I like. The driver is interesting let me know how it works, because I have a consistant fade. |
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# 3 on 2/11/2010 7:39:34 PM |
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Start by adding lead tape to the back of the driver toward the part closer to you ( heel ). You could put it on the rear skirt of the head; a regular lead tape you could buy at golf stores 1/2" wide at least 3" long. try it out and you could add additional weight if you need more lead tape. One of my guy put 3 of those from the center to toward the hosel right on the skirt. I have only tried putting lead tape on my putters, to give me the feel in the hand that I like. |
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# 4 on 2/11/2010 8:59:46 PM |
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JB, Dont add weight with tape. If you desire a different weight, then buy a different club. There has been more engineering in the club making process than you or I would ever understand. I feel that if you really think the problem is with the club you are swinging, then add the lead tape to the area between your ears! That is probably where the most "adjustment" is needed. --Scott |
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# 5 on 2/11/2010 9:23:30 PM |
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JB, Ummm...thanks for the advice? I think! I just wanted to know if anyone had experience with this technique that is WIDELY used throughout golf. I've never experimented with it and was curious. My brain is fine thanks. |
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# 6 on 2/12/2010 7:30:58 AM |
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JB, WELL PUT,MAN..THE BODY,THE SWING,THE IMPACT.=THE SWING |
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# 7 on 2/12/2010 7:34:43 AM |
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JB, I Have never put lead tape,on my clubs,so i really dont know.i know,if you find your swing,you will find,more fairways & greens.good luck |
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# 8 on 2/12/2010 12:53:10 PM |
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JB, This is very true but not everyone can spend the money to get new clubs. |
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# 9 on 3/7/2010 4:46:49 AM |
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JBroyles, I hear it a lot both ways. I often hear it takes 4 or 5 pieces to do ANYTHING, but even that won't fix ball flight (by adding weight to the toe or heal). However, I recently have gone back to lead tape. And here is what I find. I have a tendency to overhook the ball. But, I like having a decent draw off the tee. So, if I am over hooking with a driver, I add some lead tape to the toe (usually it's two decent sized pieces), and viola!! The overhook is gone. Now, I don't know if it was the total weight, the head weight, or the placement on the toe... all I know is I don't have to worry about buying a left hand turn signal for my ball. Side note - saw Ernie Els (my favorite swing) in a practice round one time, and the shot he was playing was a driver off the deck on a long par 5. After the swing, he turned to Ricky (it was a while back) and then they did some doctoring. He added tape to right below the grip and right above the hozel. About 2 wraps each. Don't know why, and haven't tried it. But that's what Ernie did. The other pro I know used (or may still use) tape a bit is Daly. You can usually spot a couple of globs of tape up on the toe of his driver. Post your results. I hope it helps! |
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# 10 on 3/8/2010 8:42:40 AM |
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Lead tape doesn't hurt to try. It is cheaper than buying a new club weighted in one fashion or another and finding out it didn't help. The portal weight clubs that you can add or remove weight from can let you tinker if you want to. Dews ideas seem worth a try. It might make some difference for you.
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# 11 on 3/13/2010 12:43:48 PM |
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If you play a lot (and it seems you do) wouldn't the local pro let you try different clubs to see what works and when you find something that does then you could compensate him by making a purchase. I think Golfsmith allows you to try clubs for 90 days to make sure you have the right club for your swing. Club manufacturers spend hours and millions making sure that weights are just right for all types of swings, what makes you think that a piece of type or two will outplay all that technology???
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# 12 on 4/16/2010 4:22:43 PM |
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My putter was a little light after I cut it down 1 inch. I put a strip of lead tape on the bottom and now it feels perfect. That is the only club I have ever used lead tape on.
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